Ford Diesel Escort
The Ford Motor company began production of the Escort line way back in 1981 and offered a diesel version three years later. At that time you could have a gas powered engine, or a Mazda made diesel engine in your Escort model. Never one of the fastest cars in the world, the Escort could boast a basically trouble free vehicle (as long as regular maintenance was kept up) and owner loyalty. Most people who buy an Escort will keep it until it is completely driven to death. The diesel option was dropped by Ford in 1987 due to fairly sluggish sales, but there are still a few of the old diesel Escorts on the road to this day.
Several car companies are set to release new diesel cars, or re-release new versions of established lines, but at this time, Ford is not among them, at least not with the Escort. Research into the question has shown that any rumor that the diesel Escort is on the way back is simply that, rumors.
There are many enthusiasts that would like to own the Ford Escort in its diesel form, and I would suggest to them that they research Ebay or an autotrader site or magazine to find what they want. Anyone that does so however, should know if the production quality parts for their particular model are even available or it will make no sense to proceed with purchase. Be careful with what you are shopping for, especially on auction sites- be wary of ads that say a 1984 Escort is in perfect, working order for instance. While that may well be true, you have to ask yourself if a car is that great, why is it being sold?
Back in the late '80's, there were 150 diesel car models on the market, by 2008 that number had dwindled down to a paltry 7. Again, several car companies are bringing diesel back, but at this point, Ford is not. The well-maintained Escort diesel is a good, reliable basic car, meant to get you safely from point A to point B, but not particularly quickly. If you truly want to go with this model, you will probably have to start with a fixer-upper, non-running older model, but once you put in the sweat and the new parts, you will have a fairly good car.
Some people swear by diesel and will drive nothing but. Some people could care less either way. Things like this should be a personal choice, and you should find the vehicle that serves the purpose that you need it for. Best of luck in finding the car of your choice, either the Escort diesel or whatever else makes you happy.